IMA India Accounting & Finance Conference Draws 500+ Finance Professionals in Mumbai

The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) has brought together accounting and finance professionals, corporate leaders, educators and students at its India Accounting & Finance Conference in Mumbai. The event focused on the changing demands of the profession, with discussions spanning artificial intelligence (AI), business strategy, professional development and the future of finance careers.

According to the information shared by the organisers, the one-day conference attracted more than 500 participants and featured keynote presentations, panel discussions and networking opportunities. The event was designed to examine how finance teams can respond to technological advances while contributing more effectively to business strategy and organisational growth.

AI and strategic thinking take centre stage

A major theme of the conference was the expanding role of finance professionals beyond traditional accounting, reporting and financial processes. Discussions examined how technology and data analytics are changing the way organisations assess performance, manage risks and make business decisions.

Industry experts highlighted the importance of combining technological proficiency with analytical thinking, commercial awareness and professional judgement. As businesses adopt AI-powered tools, finance teams are increasingly expected to interpret financial information, identify emerging opportunities and translate data into actionable business insights.

The conference also addressed career development for students and young professionals entering the accounting and finance industry. Participants discussed the capabilities needed to remain competitive in a changing employment landscape, including adaptability, technical expertise and a commitment to continuous learning.

IMA CEO highlights evolving finance responsibilities

Mike DePrisco, President and CEO of IMA, discussed the changing expectations of accounting and finance professionals and the growing importance of management accounting competencies in organisational performance.

Drawing on insights from IMA's Management Accounting Competency Index (MACI), a study examining management accounting competencies and their relevance to organisational success, DePrisco emphasised that technological progress is changing the nature of finance work rather than eliminating the need for human expertise.

He highlighted the continuing importance of critical thinking, professional judgement and analytical capabilities as finance professionals move towards more strategic responsibilities.

The discussion underlined a shift from simply reporting historical financial results to explaining their business implications, supporting cross-functional collaboration and helping organisations make informed decisions.

India’s growing role in the global finance ecosystem

Arindam Ghosh, Head of South Asia at IMA, discussed India's expanding contribution to the global finance sector. He highlighted the transition from process-oriented finance operations towards strategic business partnering, enterprise analytics, organisational transformation and leadership.

According to the conference remarks provided by the organisers, India's finance professionals have an opportunity to take on broader responsibilities by combining data interpretation with commercial understanding and strategic decision-making.

The discussion also emphasised that technology alone cannot deliver effective business outcomes. Ethical leadership, sound judgement and an understanding of organisational priorities remain essential to creating long-term value.

IMA's conference announcements had identified India as a key market for the association's professional community. The organisation's global leadership information confirms that it supports accounting and finance professionals through education, research, certification and professional networking.

Sustainability reporting and integrated thinking

Brigitte de Graaff, identified in the supplied conference material as IMA Global Chair, addressed integrated thinking and sustainability reporting.

Her session examined the value of connecting financial performance with non-financial information to understand how business decisions affect different areas of an organisation. This approach can help companies evaluate trade-offs, assess broader impacts and incorporate long-term value creation into their decision-making processes.

The discussion highlighted the growing relevance of sustainability considerations alongside conventional financial measures. It also reinforced the importance of viewing organisational performance through a broader lens that accounts for interdependencies, resource allocation and long-term business objectives.

Professional development and continuing education

Continuous professional development was another important focus of the conference. As technology, reporting practices and business expectations evolve, finance professionals need opportunities to update their knowledge and strengthen their skills.

According to the information supplied by the organisers, eligible IMA members could earn up to 6.5 continuing professional education (CPE) credits through the event.

The conference received sponsorship support from UWorld as Title Sponsor, Miles Education as Diamond Sponsor, Simandhar Education as Signature Sponsor, Inprox as Platinum Sponsor and Gleim as Gold Sponsor.

About the Institute of Management Accountants

The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) is a global professional association focused on advancing management accounting and the accounting and finance profession. Founded more than a century ago, the organisation supports professionals through education, research, advocacy, networking and professional certification.

Its programmes include the Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis (CSCA) and Financial and Managerial Accounting Associate (FMAA) credentials.

IMA's official website describes its international network as spanning more than 150 countries, with professional and student chapters supporting knowledge-sharing and career development.